Head Start: Associate Teacher I-III

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the Head Start (HS) curriculum. Responsible for education and care of assigned children and communication with their families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under our care.
• Participate in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development. **
• Work directly with children in daily classroom activities which meet the Head Start Performance Standards and State of CA Licensing regulations.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in assessing and planning individual and group learning and play activities for the children as well as field trips, projects, and hygiene and nutrition programs; perform observations and developmental assessments, and daily review of the program. **
• Assist with daily activities and classroom management including working with small groups, holding circle time, and directing transitions; facilitate and expand upon daily activities, and provide individual assistance to children.
• Organize program materials and environment needed for daily activities.
• Assist Lead Teacher with orienting and guiding parent volunteers in the classroom. **
• Contribute to team development of lesson plans; organize program materials and environment to support planned classroom activities; fill in for Lead Teacher in his/her absence. **
• Provide child care during parent and PPC activities. **
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and support the Lead Teacher with implementation of the curriculum plans. **
• Assist Lead Teacher with recordkeeping and reporting duties of education component. ** Keep required records, documents services and follow-up, and ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards in education and special education service areas.
• Work with parent(s) or guardian(s) individually in homes and through parent meetings to involve them in the education of their child(ren). Participate in individual conferences and home visits with Lead Teacher as requested. **
• Participate in the daily cleaning of the classroom including sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs, and sanitizing bathrooms.
• Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary.
• Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match. **
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and staff.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

** Does not apply to Substitutes

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with Head Start STRONG Culture and NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:

• Level I – 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) core units required
• Level II- 24 ECE units, including 12 core units required
• Level III – Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) or in a related field which includes 24 ECE units (12 core units required). Six months of early childhood classroom experience is required.
• (Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; and programs/curriculum.)
• Must hold and maintain current a California Department of Education Child Development Associate Teacher Permit** or higher or hold and maintain current a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
• Must have a minimum of 15 hours of Preventive Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired.

**Must apply an Associate Teacher Permit within 3 months of being hired and provide verification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of Child Development/Early Childhood Education.
• Head Start Performance Standards preferred.
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.

Ability to:

• Take over for the Lead Teacher in the classroom when necessary.
  • Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
  • Accurately and legibly maintain records and prepare reports either by hand, or by using a computer and related software programs.
  • Motivate, engage with, and work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds is preferred.
  • Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
  • Work effectively as part of a team but have the ability to work independently.
  • Maintain confidential information, documentation, and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
  • Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed.
  • Be flexible and able to meet the changing needs of the program.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• For work-related driving, employee must have: a current, valid California driver’s license; a driving record that demonstrates the employee is a safe, appropriate driver as verified by a DMV printout; and proof of personal automobile insurance; or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly.
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors and contributors is an occasional aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers, printers, telephones and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The employee may occasionally use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp; as well regularly use cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The environment at the assigned sites can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.